12 day Syria and Jordan

Syria and Jordan offer travellers a journey along age old highways steeped in the heritage and culture of past and present civilisations, past Caravanserais from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.  At each turn the depth of history can be viewed.  Explore Roman, Greek, Nabatean, Ottoman and Islamic ruins from Zenobia's Palymyra, the Crusader castle of Crak de Chevelier, to Petra.  Discover the wonders hidden in the labyrinth of the old cities of Damascus and Aleppo, under the sea at Aquaba, or on the water of the Dead Sea.

Arrival transfer to your Damascus hotel.

Savour the special atmosphere of this ancient city. Explore Merjeh Square, Hamidieh Bazaar, Saladin's Mausoleum, Azem Palace, Umayyad Mosque (where John the Baptist's head is enshrined), the "Straight Street", Eastern Gate, St Paul’s Window and the Old Walls. Later visit the brocade, copper & Mosaic souks.(B)

Take the desert road to Palmyra to marvel at the ruins of the once-fabulous oasis city of Queen Zenobia. These ancient monuments include the Temple of Baal, Arch of Triumph, Theatre and Museum.(B)

Drive north to Aleppo, renowned for its covered souks. Visit St. Simeon Monastery, where St-Simeon used to live and pray atop a pillar. Later visit the Grand Mosque, Aleppo Citadel, National Museum. (B)

Visit the impressive Crusader fortress of Krak de Chevaliers and continue to Maaloula, one of the last places where Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken. Later drive to Damascus. (B)

Morning visit to Bosra, once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then cross the Jordan border (See “Warm Welcome” offer) and visit Jerash, regarded as one of the most beautifully preserved cities in the world. Continue to Amman. (B)

Morning tour of Amman. Visit the Archaeological Museum, Roman Amphitheater, ancient Citadel, Ommayad Palace with its unique carvings and the King Abdullah mosque. This afternoon drive to the Dead Sea. Free time for a spa treatment or a swim. (B)

Drive the “King’s Highway”. Visit Mount Nebo’s church, the superb Holy Land mosaic at Madaba and Kerak’s crusader castle. Continue to Petra. (B)

Today discover Petra and its many temples and tombs. (B) Optional tour of Petra by night (except on Fridays)

Explore the dramatic desert landscape of Wadi Rum (a jeep ride is included). Later drive to Aqaba. (B)

Morning at leisure. Time for a swim or some snorkelling around coral reefs. Later drive on the “Desert Highway”, back to Amman. (B)

Departure transfer to the airport. (B) Optional visit to the King Hussein Automobile Museum if flight times suitable.

• Choice of Superior First (Syria) / First Class (Jordan) or Tourist Class hotels with private facilities

• All Transfers

• Travel Notes

• Professional guides and local guides

• Sightseeing & entrance fees

• Breakfasts

• Damascus Museum closed Tuesdays - Souks closed Fridays

• King's Highway touring with driver only

• Local guides in Jordan